STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON ALLOCATION OF $70.7 MILLION BY U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT 9/11 HEALTH PROGRAMS

“By including over $70 million in funding
for 9/11 health programs, the House has once again recognized the importance of
addressing the health impacts the September 11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks. This critical
funding, first proposed in the White House budget, will be used to care for
first responders, community members and others who are sick.

“I want to thank President Obama for
recognizing the federal government’s responsibility for providing care for those
who are sick; the House Appropriations Committee, especially Chairman David
Obey, for including the funding in the House’s appropriations bill; and the
entire New York Congressional delegation, especially Representatives Jerry
Nadler, Carolyn Maloney, Peter King,
and Michael McMahon, for their hard work. I look forward to the provision
being taken up in the Senate, supported by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and
seeing the bill presented to President Obama for his signature.

“These appropriations are vital to keep
current programming going, but they do not replace the need for a long-term
national commitment to address this problem. It is more pressing than ever for
Congress to pass legislation establishing a long-term WTC medical monitoring and
treatment program.”